Electronic counting device



March 24, 1942. w H BURGER ETAL 2,277,579

ELECTRONIC COUNTING DEVICES Filed March 5, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 o 3 k Q Q v.

.-= Q I 1 I i} .2 Q N An n N a I Q *3 I g I- Q Q g INVENTORS. WalTer H. Bur E1" Max T. Winf'sci'l ATTORNEYS.

March 24, 1942. w. H. BURGER ETAL ELECTRONIC COUNTING DEVICES Filed March 5, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Mar. 24, 1942 ELECTRONIC COUNTING DEVICE Walter H. Burger, Darby, and Max Theodore Wintsch, Lancaster, Pa.

Application March 5, 1940, Serial No. 322,418

3 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in high speed counting and distributing systems.

The primary object of this invention is the provision of electrical apparatus by means of which accurate counting of movements or objects may be accomplished with facility at high or low speeds.

The apparatus of the present invention embodies a practical system of high speed counting which will stand up successfully at variable speed counting. Heretofore, apparatus for high speed counting has been subject to the fault that the component parts would not stand up under high speed counting, and prior devices for low speed counting, so far as we are aware, have not been successfully used for counting objects or movements at widely varying speeds.

An object of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus for counting objects or motions at low, intermediate or high speeds, which includes an associated series of electronic tube operated relays.

The apparatus of the present system may be used for the purpose of counting movements, such as revolutions of shafts, propellers and the like, or for counting articles such as containers, bottle caps, or other parts; the counting being effected accurately and expeditiously.

The entire system may be conveniently divided into (1) the introductory or input system which is preferably some apparatus or means for converting the count of the movements or objects into impulses; (2) the electronic tube operated relay system for converting the impulses which are necessary to operate the entire system of relays thru a predetermined cycle; (3) the register. The latter is, of course, any approved instrument which will register totals or multiples.

In the drawings we have shown preferred and modified forms of the invention, and in these forms of the invention, so far as possible, similar reference characters designate corresponding parts thruout the several views.

Figures 1 and 2 are preferred and modified set ups of electronic tube operated relays which operate counting registers once for a predetermined number of times that an object or movement creates an impulse in the introductory system. However, it is to .be distinctly understood that any number of electronic tube operated relays may be placed in the set up, in accordance with the arrangements to be subsequently described; it being a common characteristic of the invention that the register is actuated every time that there occurs a complete cycle of operation counting purposes.

thru the electronic tube operated relays, and of course, in all cases the correct number of movements or objects to be counted will be a multiple of the number of times the complete cycle is operated.

The introductory or input system For both forms of the invention shown in Figures 1 and 2, the introductory system may be the same. Preferably an impulse is created in a circuit H), for operating a device such as a master relay; the electrical impulse (as in this case) being created by some such means as the photoelectric cell, tube or other means; the change of resistant values; change of capacity values, or by actual electro-mechanical article or movement contacting means. All of these means for creating impulses are well known in the art and we will not enlarge upon them except to say that photo-electric or variable capacity control are preferred.

The eZectronic-tube-relay system In both forms of the invention a master relay H is provided in the circuit 10, which is operated by electrical impulses caused by movements or objects to be counted passing or being brought before the means above described, such as photoelectric cell or variable capacity control means. This relay, preferably of a very sensitive high speed operating type, also preferably of the plugin type, has an armature I2 mounted in selfoiling bearings, since it must flutter at as high a rate as sixty times per second for high speed This armature [2 acts as a switch in a condenser circuit l3 which includes a condenser H grounded at [5. The charge of the condenser I4 is of course intended to operate the various electron tubes in the count reducing part of the system, as will be subsequently described.

The system includes a series of high speed actuated relays A, B and C, respectively having electronic tubes D, E and F associated therewith. The relays A, B and C are preferably of the plugin type and the electronic tubes D, E and F are preferably of the gas triode, cold cathode-starteranode type.

The system is operated by means of electric current of suitable voltage which must of course be first applied to the tubes and relays. The tubes above designated, are worked at 15 to 20 milliamperes, and of course a conventional power tube system may regulate this.

Some means must be provided in initially startingthesystemtoprimetheiirsttubeninthe' series. The source of electrical energy is designated at 20 in Figure l, as a battery, altho any source may be desired. A priming switch Il may be provided, which is normally spring actuated into the position shown in Figure 1, bridging across contacts I! and If in the line leading to the negative side of the source of electric current; the contact II being grounded in the circuit at N. The lead line fl extending from the battery I. has contacts II and 21 therein which may be bridged by pushing the switch 2| into proper position. This closes thecircuit in the line 28 leading thru the starting relay 2!, which may be of the ordinary type; the current leaving the relay thru line II to the negative side of the battery or source of electrical energy 20, as shown in Figure 1. Energizing the relay :9 will cause the connected armatures II, II and II to shift into engagement with the respective contacts 81, IO and SI therefor, for performing the various operations to be subsequently described. The switch 2! remains bridged across the contacts "-21 only long enough for armature 35 of relay 2! to engage contact II. when relay A is energized as subsequently described, relay 29 will be rendered inoperative. As long as any of relays A, B or C are energized the circuit is in readiness for the following tube.

Energizing the relay It will close a so-called "running" circuit thru the switch arm 35 and contact 8|; the current passing thru line 25, line I. line 4i, switch arm or armature l2 oi the relay A, when the latter is de-energized; contact 43 therefor, and line 44 leading to contact ll. While the starter relay 2! is energized, the contacts 31, II and I. are closed.

As before mentioned, while the armature if of the master relay ii is in the open position, it is connected in circuit for charging the condenser Part of the circuit has been above described, and the remaininglead 50 connects the lead ll to the positive side of the current supply source fl.

when the first impulse in the master relay ll operates the latter, the armature i! will be attracted and engage contact I! connected in line II; the latter having a line 54 extending thru the armature 34 of the starting relay, and with the latter ent il the contact 31 the condenser will discharge into line 54 leading to the starter anode ll of the electron tube D. The tube D is thereby "ilred and thereby passes anode-cathode current for operating the relay A.

The condenser charge also passes across resistance I into line ti and thence thru switch arm ll, which is part of the armature of relay B to ground It.

The current charged circuit including the lines II, 40, includes the switch arm 85, part of the armature of the relay C which engages contact I when the relay C is de-energized, and leads 08 thru a condenser 81 into ground ll.

- The relay A first to be operated, has its winding connected to the line ll and the opposite end of the winding connected to anode III of the tube D: the cathode Ii thereof being connected in the line Ii above described.

In the cold cathode-starter anode type of tube, it is well understood that current passing into the starter anode will cause a breakdown between starter anode it and anode Ill, reducing the tube resistance between the anode and cathode to a point where they are over or ignite, thus energizing and completing the circuit thru the relay A. The same action repeats itself for each tube in the series and will not be further referred to.

Upon energizing of the relay A, its three nonconductively connected armatures ll, ii and 4!, as shown in Figure i, will be attracted: closing the contact '3 thru the switch arm II to the starter anode 84 of the electron tube E, andthe arms 42 and II will be lifted from their contacts 43 and 86 respectively. This will open the circuit to the starting relay II, which will become de-energized at this time.

The second impulse in the circuit operating the master relay II will cause discharge of the condenser ll thru the now closed switch arm and contact '3 into the starter anode l4; firing 'the tube E, which energizes the relay B; the

anode 90 therefor being connected to one terminal of the relay B and the cathode 91 being connected via line 82; contact 93 and switch arm H2 to ground 95. The other terminal of the relay B is connected in line Iii, as shown. This energizing of the relay B will attract the connected armatures 85 and 82 thereof. Attraction of armature 82 will open the line 5i leading to tube D deenergizing said tube.

The third impulse actuating the master relay i I will discharge the condenser ll into the starter anode ill of tube F via switch arm 95 and contact 95-. This will fire the tube F; the current will energize the relay C via line 40; anode liH; cathode I02; lin III leading to contact 88 and the switch arm II to ground. The three armatures ill, H2 and 65 of the relay C will be drawn into position; the arms H0 and 85 engaging contacts Ill and Ill respectively, and the arms H2 and 85 respectively, disengaging the contacts 8i and 68.

When the relay C is de-energized, the condenser charges in the closed circuit established via armature I, contact 86, and lines "I, 2| to ground. Energizing the relay C will open the anode-cathode circuit of the tube E and thru closing of the switch arm Iill engaging the contact ill, the condenser it upon the next impulse will then discharge into the starter anode ll of the first tube D in the series, as can readily be traced. In other words, energizing the relay C places the circuit for the first tube D in position to be again operated.

The condenser 1 upon energizing the third relay C will discharge via the switch-arm-armature Ii; contact H3 and line ill into the starter anode III of the register tube G. This will result in energizing the relay H, inasmuch as the armature I" thereof bridges between contacts III and I32 forming part of the anode-cathode circuit in the tube G. Energizing of the relay H of cours draws the armature I30 into position for actuating the register or counter K.

Opening of contacts ilk-I32 will disconnect tube G and likewise the relay H, the armature of which will return to normal position. Every actuation of the counter, advancing one digit, as

the case may be, will of course indicate that three objects or movements have passed the detector. The correct number of parts will of course be obtained by multiplying the reading on the counter K by three. The number of objects or movements to be counted by the system is such that if they are not a multiple of a number of tubes in the system excluding the counter tube, in order to obtain the correct number of parts the reading will have to be increased by the number of tubes ignited in the system less than the entire cycle. That is, if the last object to be counted ignited tube E, then to the reading on the counter will have to be added two in order to designate the correct total. of course the counter can supply the correct multiple if so desired, rather than only a proportionate part oi. the objects counted. To get a direct reading on the counter you must us a ratio ten to one or one hundred to one and add either one or two fixed zeros on the counter. 01 course, it the final count does not end at ten or a hundred you must add to the count as explained.

Any number of tubes and relays can be provided in the system necessary to give the correct ratio desired. It is possible to obtain a ratio of 144 to 1 with sixteen tubes. To get a ratio of one hundred and forty-tour to one with sixteen tubes you must use three sets of tubes, six in the first set, six in the second set and four in the third set. The improved electronic counting unit as herein described may be designed to be movable from one producing machine to another, but if desired, the detector unit, such as photo-electric detecting means may be provided as a part of the machine.

The voltage and current supply must be suitabl for the type of relay used. The present circuit requires six volts A. C. at 3 amperes and 175 volts D. C. and 440 volts A. C. for the detector.

Constant voltage supply is necessary with loads of from milliamperes to '15 milliameperes.

For visual reference, a yellow signal light I40 may be provided in a circuit I which includes current source 20 and the switch arm 35. While the starter relay 29 is deenergized, the yellow signal light I40 will indicate such fact. Similarly, a green signal light I42 also forms part of the circuit I, but is ignited when'the switch arm 35 is attracted by reason of energizing oi the starter relay 29, so that said armature 35 engages the contact 39, as shown in Figure 1.

Referring to the system illustrated in Figure 2, the same is operated in a somewhat diflerent manner than the system illustrated in Figure 1, altho a combination of electronic tube operated relaysis used.

The system of Figure 2 includes a source of current I50, 9. starter relay I5I similar to the relay 29 of the form of invention shown in Figure 1. In addition, a so called recycle relay I52 may be provided. Manually controlled switches 554 and I55 may be provided for the relays I5I and 52, altho a single switch may be used to prime both these relays if so desired. At the start of operation, the switches I54 and I55 are pushed down to close circuits to the windings of the relays I5I and I52 and energize them; these switches being spring operated and W111 i stantly snap back to the original positions, as soon as manually released. As shown, the relays NH and I52 have circuits I 55 and I51 which are closed upon manually operating the buttons I54 and I55 for flow of current from positive to negative and thus energizing the said relays.

The relay I5I is provided with non-conductively connected armatures I and I5I. Upon initial closing of the circuit to the relay I5I,

the armature I5I will engage a contact I52 and via the line I; armature I54 01' relay L and line I55 a circuit will be closed thru the relay I5I for holding the same energized after release of the starting switch I54 by the operator. Energizing the relay I5I also causes the armature I to engage a contact I10 and a line I12 wherein the starter anode I15 .0! the first electron tube M is located, and the closing of this circuit enables the condenser I4 to discharge and fire the tube M with operation of the master relay II' upon the first impulse in the circuit I0.

The anode I14 0! the tube M in circuit with the relay L and the cathode I15 extends via line I15 and armature I11 to ground. The armature I11 el ngs to the second relay N in the series. The relays L. N, P, R, S and T are all connected in the line I53 leaving from the positive side of the battery or source 01' current, and it should be noted that this line I55 has a ground thru armature switch arm I50 0! the relay P and the armature switch arm I5I of the relay T. Condensers I52, I55 are connected with these armature switches I50 and I5I respectively for a purpose to be subsequently described.

Reiering again to the first of the series of electron tubes M, when the same is fired, the relay L will be energized, which will of course attract armatures I and I9I which are nonconductively connected together and to the previously mentioned switch armature I 54. Energizing the relay L will cause the switch I54 to open and break the circuit thru the starter re ay I5I. Energizing of this relay L causes the armature I90 to engage a contact I92 connected with the starter anode I55 of the second in the series of electron tubes, designated at V in Figure 2, and on the second impulse in the circuit I0, the condenser I 4 will discharg into line I55 and fire the tube V. The anode I95 of this tube is connected with the relay N and the cathode I51 is connected in a circuit wherein an armature switch arm I98 0! the relay P is a part. Energizing of the relay N will attract the non-conductively connected armatures I11 and 200. Armature I 11 will open the line I15, extinguishing the tube M and then deenergizing the relay L.

Energizing the relay N connects the armature 200, and the starter anode 20I of the third tube W in the series in operation, and upon occurrence of the third impulse thru the master relay II, the condenser I4 will discharge thus firing the tube W and energizing the relay P, in a manner which will be apparent from the circuit shown in Figure 2 and from foregoing description.

The relay P is provided with non-conductively connected armatures I50, I95 and 204, nonconductively connected together, all oi which are attracted upon energizing of the relay P.

It should of course be understood that when the second relay N is actuated, the tube M- goes out and likewise upon energizing of the relay P, the tube V will go out, since armature switch arms are located in these circuits operated by the respective relays.

Energizing of relay P causes the armature switch arm 204 to engage a contact 2I0 and the armature I50 to engage a contact 2. ture 204 engaging the contact 2I0 places the tube M in position to be fired again upon occurrence of the next impulse. It would be rem'embered that the condenser I52 is charged by reason of its normally closed position, that is, when the relay P is de-energized, and upon energizing of the latter, the condenser will discharge into the grid of the tube X associated with the relay R.

At this time we will again refer to the recycle relay I52 which upon closing of the switch I55 was energized, causing the armatures 2I3 and H4 thereof to respectively engage contacts 2I5 and 2I5. The contact 2I5 is located in a holding Armacircuit of which switch arm Ill iorming an armature oi the relay R is part, and up to this time the relay I52 has remained energized. Engagement of the armature Ill with the contact Ill, upon energizing the relay P will discharge the condenser ll! into the grid of tube x via circuit shown in Figure 2, cl which the switch arm 213 and contact 2 II are a part.

The tube x thus ignites and relay R will attract its armatures III, I" and "I opening the circuit thru the relay I52 and de-energizing it. The armature 220 engaging contact 224 completes the grid circuit oi electron tube Y, and at this time it should be noted that two tubes X and W are ignited.

Upon occurrence of the fourth impulse to the master relay, the grid on tube M will be charged by condenser l4 causing tube M to ignite and again energizing relay L. This opens the oathode circuit of the tube W, since the armature ill is connected therewith, permitting relay P to release its armature and again charging the concircuit ill, the action above mentioned when the second impulse was imposed on the master relay circuit takes place, with the diflerence that in addition to electron tube V being ignited, the electron tube X is also ignited.

The sixth impulse in the master relay circuit causes the electron tube W to ignite, similar to the occurrence above described during the third impulse on the master relay circuit. However, the closing of switch arm llll at this time engages the contact 2 and discharges the condenser I82 into electron tube Y, igniting the latter, inasmuch as the switch arm 220 forming one of the armatures of relay R is closed. Relay 8 is thus actuated. Relay 3 attracts armatures 2 and I; this breaking the circuit thru the electron tube X which now goes out, and the grid of electron tube Z is placed in firing position. At this time tubes W and Y are ignited.

On occurrence of the seventh impulse in the master relay circuit, the same action takes place as during the fourth impulse, except that tubes M and Y are ignited.

During the eighth impulse in the master relay circuit, the same action takes place as during the sixth impulse, except that tubes V and Y are ignited.

On'occurrence or the ninth impulse in the master relay circuit, the same action takes place as described during the third impulse in the master relay circuit, except that the relay P will be energized for discharging the condenser I02 into tube Z. The relay T thus becomes energized; opening thru its armature switch arm 2, which interrupts the cathode circuit for the tube Y and permits relay 8 to become inoperative.

The armature switch arm 24! engages a con-' sell. The correct reading is obtained by multiplying the number registered on the counter by nine, since the system operates at a ratio 0! 9 to 1.

In the event the parts to be counted are not a multiple of nine and tubes W and x are not ignited, it is necessary to prorate the number in the circuit to get the correct number of parts. This may readily be accomplished by numberingthetubesM,V,W,x,YandZasl, 2,0,3,8 and 0 respectively. As an example, ii the final reading on the counter is -l0 and tubes V and Y are ignited, the correct count would be 10 multiplied by 9 plus 2, plus 8. This makes a total of 98 parts creating impulses in the master relay circuit.

In the improved electronic tube-relay counting system of the present invention, the action is quick and emcient. In some prior relay types of counting circuits the action is extremely sluggish and contacts are apt to burn out on relays. due to the use of powerful condensing voltages. In our improved system there are 15 milliamperc operations.

The cold cathode type of tube is the most eflicient.

Changes in details may be made to the form of invention herein shown and described, without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the tollowing claims.

We claim:

1. In a counting system of the character described, a source of current, a condenser, a condenser charging circuit connected to said source of current, a series of relays including windings and switch means, a series of electron tubes having anode, cathode and firing elements, relay energizing circuits between said source of current and said windings, each relay energizing circuit bridging the anode and cathode elements of one of said tubes and controlled by the switch means of the relay 0! said series succeeding that relay to which said energizing circuit is connected, tube firing circuits between the condenser and the firing elements of the tubes, the firing circuit for any given tube being controlled by the switch means of the relay of said series preceding that relay whose windings are connected to the relay energizing circuit bridging the anode and cathode elements of said given tube, an impulse receiving input circuit, and means responsive tothe reception of impulses in said input circuit'ior connecting said condenser alternately to said condenser charging circuit and to said tube firing circuits.

2. In a counting system of the character described, a source of current, a condenser, a condenser charging circuit connected to said source of current, a series of relays including windings and switch means, a series 01' electron tubes having anode, cathode and firing elements, relay energizing circuits between said source of current and said windings, each relay energizing circuit bringing the anode and cathode elements of one of said tubes and controlled by the switch means of the relay of said series succeeding that relay to which said energizing circuit is connected, tube firing circuits between the condenser and the flring elements of the tubes, the firing circuit for any given tube being controlled by the switch means of the relay of said series preceding that relay whose windings are connected to the relay energizing circuit bridging the anode and cathode elements or said given tube, an impulse receiving input circuit, means responsive to the reception of impulses in said input circuit for connecting said condenser alternately to said condenser charging circuit and to said tube firing circuits, a second condenser, an additional relay, means for energizing said additional relay from said source of current, and means responsive to operation of the last relay of said series for connecting said second condenser alternately to said condenser charging circuit and to said means for energizing said additional relay.

3. In a counting system of the character described, 'a source of current, a condenser, a condencer charging circuit connected to'said source of current, a series of relays'including windings and switch means, a series of electron tubes having anode, cathode and firing elements, relay energizing circuits between said source of current and said windings, each relay energizing circuit bridging the anode and cathode elements of one of said tubes and controlled by the switch means of the relay of said series succeeding that relay to which said energizing circuit is connected, tube firing circuits between the condenser and the firing elements of the tubes, the firing circuit for any given tube being controlled by the switch means 0! the relay of said series preceding that relay whose windings are connected to the relay energizing circuit bridging the anode and cathode elements of said given tube, an impulse receiving input circuit, means responsive to the reception of impulses in said input circuit for connecting said condenser alternately to said condenser charging circuit and to said tube firing circuits, a second condenser, a charging circuit for the second condenser connected to the source of current, an additional relay including windings and switch means, an additional electron tube having an anode element, a cathode element and a firing element, a relay energizing circuit between the source of current and the windings of said additional relay, said latter circuit bridging the anode and cathode elements of said additional tube and controlled by the switch means of said additional relay, a firing circuit connected to the firing element of the additional tube, and switch means responsive to energization of the last relay oi saidseries for connecting said second condenser alternately to its charging circuit and to the firing circuit of said additional tube.

WALTER H. BURGER. MAX THEODORE WINTSCH. 

